Why Seal Grout From the Floor Cleaning Experts Tampa St Petersburg Clearwater

I'm always asked, Why does my grout get dirty so fast? Why can't I keep in clean? The answer is always the same: Your grout wasn't sealed or the sealer has broken down due to time, sun light, or chemical action.

Grout is a concrete sponge. Its strength comes from the capillaries that form when it cures. This is also what makes it so hard to keep clean. When the floor is mopped the water suspends dirt and detergent and then seeps into the capillaries drawing the dirt and detergent deep into the grout. Once it gets that deep it takes a lot of scrubbing and rinsing to get it out.

There are two main types of sealers: Topical and Penetrating. Grout should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. The sealer changes the chemistry of the grout, increasing the surface tension so that water thinks its too big of a bubble to squeeze into the capillaries of the grout. It also keeps grease and oil from sticking to the surface. This makes the grout water resistant not water proof. Pooling water, water with a chemical surfactant (reduces surface tension), and pressure will push water through a penetrating sealer.

Most penetrating grout sealers fill the pours of the grout and break down under UV light, strong detergents, and time. These Flouro-chemical sealers generally last 3-5 years.

Drytreat Makes a penetrating sealer that actually bonds to the molecular structure of the grout and permanently seals the grout. This product comes with a 15 year warranty.

For more information on sealing grout contact the Floor Cleaning Experts 727-399-8803